São Tomé and Príncipe entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
15 days
Max stay
15 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Japanese passport holders can visit São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for up to 15 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism and short business trips. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in São Tomé and Príncipe. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from São Tomé and Príncipe | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure within the 15-day visa-free period. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 100 euros per day of your stay. Immigration rarely checks this, but it's safer to have proof ready. | Recommended |
15-day limit is strict
The visa-free stay is exactly 15 days from the day you enter. It cannot be extended. Plan your itinerary so you leave before day 16.
Cash is king
ATMs are scarce and often unreliable. Bring enough euros or dollars to cover your stay. Cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
You'll land at the only international airport. Follow signs to immigration. There's usually one queue for all foreigners.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask where you're staying. Answer clearly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 15-day entry. Check the stamp says the correct date before walking away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check but it's usually quick for tourists.
Download São Tomé and Príncipe Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (exact fee may vary)
Apply at São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or online if available. Allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
For frequent travellers; requires justification and supporting documents.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorização de Trabalho)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a São Tomé employer. Requires contract, company sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto de Investimento)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in the country. Includes business setup and residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter if eligible. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$20 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe
No transit visa needed
Japanese passport holders transiting through São Tomé and Príncipe do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSão Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Health & vaccines for São Tomé and Príncipe
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and avoid standing water areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of diarrheal illness; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
São Tomé
Serviço de Migração e Estrangeiros (SME)
Avenida Marginal 12 de Julho, São Tomé
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Practical information for JP travellers
Country basics
CapitalSão Tomé
LanguagePortuguese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencySão Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 21.03 STN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa in advance at a São Tomé embassy or consulate.
Overstaying can result in fines and potential issues when leaving. The exact fine amount varies, but it's best to leave on time or apply for a visa beforehand.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country, the same visa-free rules apply for Japanese passport holders.
Yes, there is a departure tax of about €20 (or equivalent in dobras) payable in cash at the airport. Some airlines include it in your ticket, so check with your carrier.
The local currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted, but you'll get change in dobras. Bring cash — ATMs are limited and card acceptance is low.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. For direct travel from Japan, it's not mandatory. Check with your doctor for routine vaccines and malaria prophylaxis.
No. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. You must have a return or onward ticket booked before you arrive.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.